The Rev. Jay Lawlor writes the President's words on gun violence are not enough

President Trump in the White House. Image Whitehouse.gov for public use.

The Rev. Jay Lawlor issued a statement today urging action on gun control in response to President Trump's remarks on gun violence.

Just offering “thoughts and prayers” are not enough. The President and Congress need to act. On the issue of gun violence in America, words are not enough. They never have been.”

— The Rev. Jay Lawlor

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US, February 15, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Rev. Jay Lawlor today issued a statement on his website where he said "As the nation witnessed another mass shooting the White House’s official statement Wednesday was sending out “thoughts and prayers” for victims and their families. Yes, thoughts and prayers are appropriate, but they are not enough. They have never been enough. Along with others my heart aches at the senseless loss of life as we collectively grieve more violence and death. I join in offering my prayers, but none of us can settle on just offering prayer. Action is needed to prevent gun violence."

The Rev. Lawlor wrote how the President "offered some nice words about love, community, and neighbors," and agreed no child or teacher should ever be in danger at school. "I agree with those words he spoke," said The Rev. Jay Lawlor, "The problem is they are just words from the President. Like his “thoughts and prayers” they are not followed up with any action to prevent gun violence."

He continued by observing that 90% of Americans support universal background checks before purchasing a gun, and a majority of Americans believe we should ban military assault rifles. The Rev. Lawlor was critical of how the President and Congress "fail to act" despite the sentiments of the American public.

In response the President's remarks on mental illness, the Rev. Jay Lawlor wrote "Rather than taking up debate on sensible gun laws, the President and congressional Republicans stick to their talking point about mental illness." He continued in support of more being done to recognize and treat mental illness when he wrote "Yes, we need to do more about recognizing and treating mental illness. But that is not the answer to gun violence in America. Access to guns are the issue." The Rev. Lawlor continued "We have no higher incidence of mental illness than any other nation, yet we have much higher rates of gun violence and death from gun violence. The difference? Other nations have stricter gun laws."

The Rev. Jay Lawlor then pointed out how President Trump signed a Republican bill last year that makes it easier for people who are mentally ill to purchase guns. The Rev. Lawlor concluded his statement writing "Just talking about doing something about mental illness is not enough. The President and Congress need to act. Just offering “thoughts and prayers” are not enough. The President and Congress need to act. On the issue of gun violence in America, words are not enough. They never have been."